The World’s Largest Fishing Trade Show Once Again Lives Up to Its Reputation
OutdoorHub 07.12.13
The global sportfishing industry convened July 9-12, in Las Vegas, Nevada
From every corner of the globe, exhibitors, buyers and media converged on the Las Vegas Convention Center for the world’s largest recreational fishing trade show. Held July 9-12, the 56th International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST, produced by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), is the annual trade event that helps drive the global sportfishing industry and is the showcase for the latest innovations in gear, accessories and apparel.
Approximately 9,500 representatives from the global fishing industry were in attendance including thousands of buyers who came to check out the gear, accessories and apparel on display. In addition, more than 700 media representatives were in attendance to cover the show.
“The energy and excitement generated during this year’s show was felt by everyone,” said ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman. “ICAST is our industry trade show. It’s very important to us that we create the show that the industry wants. The decision by the boards of directors of ASA and the American Fly Fishing Trade Association to co-locate ICAST and the International Fly Tackle Dealer show (IFTD) is a reflection of that. Our commitment to our member exhibitors, media and all show attendees is to listen and improve the trade show in any and every way we can.”
“In 2014 we’re taking the trade show to Orlando, Fla. where we will once again co-locate with IFTD,” said ASA Board of Directors Chairman Gregg Wollner, executive vice president of Rapala. “We expect to see continued growth in attendance, particularly in the international and marine markets. Business-wise – it’s a good investment for us.”
Trade Show Director Ken Andres echoed everyone’s comments. “We saw great attendance this year with lots of product on display on the show floor. Our aim is to continually enhance the show for the benefit of our exhibitors, buyers, media and other attendees.”
Andres further noted, “What really caught my eye this year was how everyone was embracing media to talk about the show. From Facebook to Twitter to company and media websites to personal and media blogs, information, images and video about the show were everywhere. That only helps to set the stage, and the anticipation level, for ICAST 2014 being held July 15-18, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. In fact, I encourage everyone to check out the video show highlights on www.ICASTfishing.org.”
KeepAmericaFishing, the industry’s angler advocacy campaign, reached a new milestone with the announcement that one million advocates are now on board to ensure recreational fishing’s voice is heard when policy decisions are made that impact our industry.
“KeepAmericaFishing has seen tremendous growth over the past year and anglers are having a positive impact on issues that affect their ability to enjoy a day on the water,” said ASA Vice President Gordon Robertson.
Robertson further said, “During ICAST we announced a new KeepAmericaFishing membership campaign for anglers who want to become even more involved in helping to ensure our fishing heritage. In fact, baseball legend Johnny Bench, our State of the Industry Breakfast’s keynote speaker, is now a charter member of KeepAmericaFishing. During his breakfast remarks he encouraged everyone in the industry to step up their commitment and become a KeepAmericaFishing member. We can’t thank him enough for his support.”
Thank You ICAST 2013 Sponsors
ASA would like to thank its generous members who signed on as ICAST sponsors. Our ICAST 2013 sponsors are: Gold – Crocodile Bay Resort; Fishing Tackle Retailer; NBC Sports Network; Rapala; and Take Me Fishing™. Silver – Dave Mercer’s Facts of Fishing; Gemini Custom Apparel; In-Fisherman; Koppers Fishing & Tackle Corp; and Pure Fishing. Bronze – Big Catch Tees; Buck Knives; Chums; Classic Fishing Products, Inc.; Columbia Sportswear; Holster Up; and L & L Outdoor Products.
Click here to see ICAST’s 2013 “Best of Show” honors.
ICAST 2014 will be held at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla., July 15-18.
